Betting
CHELTENHAM REWIND | David Bass and Imperial Aura lands the Listed Novices’ Handicap Chase at the 2020 Cheltenham Festival
On David Bass’ 33rd birthday, we take a look back at his latest Cheltenham Festival victory with Imperial Aura
To celebrate David Bass turning 33, today’s Cheltenham Rewind is dedicated to his latest victory at the Cheltenham Festival – with Imperial Aura in the now-defunct Northern Trust Company Novices’ Handicap Chase.
Trained by Kim Bailey, the gelding had shown promise since switching to the larger obstacles in the 2019/20 season and had finished second twice at Cheltenham over the winter before targeting the Listed contest on the first day of the Festival.
Tracking the leaders throughout, the then seven-year-old pushed into second at the ninth fence and began to put pressure on the leading Precious Cargo.
The son of Kalanisi pushed in front at two out and pushed on from his rivals in the run-in, charging away from the challenging Galvin to win by three and a quarter lengths.
It also gave Kim Bailey his first Festival success in five years, with Bass picking up his third career success at the four-day meeting.
Imperial Aura was pulled up in the Ryanair Chase this season, but the gelding could well bounce back this term and is a current 50/1 shot for the Gold Cup.
